Boxing Has Solid Showing Against Lackluster UFC PPV
The ever-increasing “Boxing vs. MMA” debate continues to rage on almost everywhere you find fight fans. Some people look at UFC as nothing but glorified street fighting; or, as former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins would put it, “a gay porno”. Others look at boxing as a “dead” sport that was once great, but has fizzled out in the wake of MMA’s exciting rise over the past few years. When the UFC announced that they would be having a pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi, many saw it as yet another expansion and notch on the belt of mixed martial arts in terms of rising to the occasion and providing the best match-ups while progressing to other markets.
But when UFC 112 aired this past Saturday, boxing fans had something to smile about.
The man widely considered to be the best mixed martial artist in the world, UFC Middleweight Anderson Silva, came under harsh criticism for his derogatory manner in which he fought challenger Damian Maia by mocking him and supposedly unleashing verbal insults during the fight. UFC President Dana White showed much disdain by Silva’s actions due to his constant defense of Silva’s talent and ability, and the huge exposure that UFC 112 garnered in Abu Dhabi. Also, one of the UFC’s most popular fighters in BJ Penn was upset by contender Frankie Edgar for the UFC Lightweight Championship in a bout that has been contested by fans as perhaps being a “robbery”.
On the other side, boxing fans had much rejoicing to do this past weekend, as HBO’s stellar programming showed that the Sweet Science is indeed alive and well. After the destructive earthquake in Haiti forced WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto to pull out of his January 30 match-up with Shane Mosley, it paved the way for Mosley’s much anticipated fight with Floyd “Money” Mayweather; anticipation that was heightened with the return of HBO’s Emmy award winning “24/7″ program on Saturday. In addition, Berto’s return to the ring showcased an HBO “World Championship Boxing” telecast following “24/7″ that saw rising featherweight Celestino “El Pelechin” Caballero nearly shut-out Daud Yordan over 12 rounds before Berto’s impressive eighth round TKO over respected fellow welterweight Carlos “El Indio” Quintana.
Boxing fans also have much to look forward to next week on HBO, as the second episode of “Mayweather-Mosley 24/7″ premieres at 9:30 on April 17 before another “World Championship Boxing” doubleheader featuring Lucian Bute vs. Edison Miranda for the IBF Super Middleweight Championship and Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Martinez for the WBC and WBO Middleweight Championship.
Rejoice, fight fans, because unlike the UFC, boxing isn’t fooling anyone in April.
Nick, very informative post. Good amount of links and I especially liked that you embedded a video. Great work!
[...] Up 2-0 Against MMA in April As previously mentioned, the ever-growing “Boxing vs. MMA” debate continues to rage on in the minds of many [...]
Boxing Up 2-0 Against MMA in April « The Wrap-Up said this on April 21, 2010 at 12:41 pm |